Where to eat in Te Anau

April 11, 2023

After a big day of hiking and exploring Fiordland, no doubt you will have worked up an appetite. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite places to eat in Te Anau where you can relax and unwind after a day of adventures.

The Fat Duck – Delicious Kiwi fare

Located at the entrance to the quaint town of Te Anau The Fat Duck is a cozy and inviting restaurant delivering delicious kiwi fare with a focus on using local produce. A popular spot among locals and tourists alike, so be sure to book so you don’t miss out.

 

With a full dinner menu on offer there is something for everyone, but if you’re looking for a drink and a snack you can also choose to sit in the bar area and enjoy something from their tapas style menu. They also offer daily happy hour, big-screen tv, free wi-fi and a children’s menu. 

Redcliff Café –  A local favourite

A firm favourite among locals, this is the place to be on a summer evening, sipping on a glass of wine while watching the sun go down. Set in an early settlers cottage, the atmosphere is cozy and charming with the walls filled with local memorabilia from Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Lord of the Rings and Te Anau.

Redcliff Café prides itself on serving up “simple but tantalising food with a definitive kiwi essence”. The menu is filled with local produce like wild Fiordland venison and Stewart Island Salmon. If you’ve come for the atmosphere and the drinks they also offer a great snack menu and the deserts will leave you salivating.

After a day exploring Milford Sound this is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Sandfly Café – Cabinet treats to die for

If you’re looking for a café for breakfast or lunch or need something to put in your pack for a day of hiking you can’t go past Sandfly Cafe. Home to superb coffee, a great all-day menu, a range of delicious and varied cabinet food, this is the place you will find the locals catching up for a coffee – so you know it’s good.

With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating it’s a great spot for families to fuel up before a day of activities or a quick coffee stop before you head to Milford Sound. 

The Ranch – Good honest casual dining

The Ranch Bar & Grill is located in the centre of Te Anau and is a family-owned business which has been operating for over 25 years. They offer good honest casual dining – hearty meals at a great price. If you’re passing through on a sunday this is the place to stop for a delicious Sunday Roast.

The Moose – Classic Kiwi pub grub

Situated right on the lake The Moose is your classic kiwi pub serving up good honest kiwi pub grub. Family owned and operated you will be sure to meet some of the Te Anau locals here enjoying a drink after a busy day at work.

Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso –  The best pizza in town

Ask a local where you should get Pizza and we can guarantee they will all give you the same answer. Serving up delicious wood-fired pizzas since 2011, Pizzeria Paradiso is always busy so we recommend you book ahead, particularly in summer.

Sit close to the pizza oven so you can watch the pizza chefs at work. If you have dietary requirements don’t fret, they offer dairy free mozzarella and gluten free bases so no one will miss out on the best pizza in Te Anau. They strive to use organic ingredients, and source local produce where possible. This is comfort food done right.

Ditto – Delicious Asian inspired street food

Their story started with a food truck serving bao buns and now the team from Bao Now have opened up Ditto located on the main street of Te Anau. Offering up ‘south-meets-east’ Asian fusion fare, featuring dishes loaded with flavour, packed with freshness, and good for the soul.

 

Enjoy bao buns, sushi bowls, dumplings and so much more. Choose to sit in or on a beautiful Te Anau evening grab some takeaway and sit and enjoy on the lakefront as the sun goes down.

Miles Better Pies – The best pies in Southland

There should be a rule that in every small New Zealand town if they have a local pie shop then you must try it. In Te Anau ‘Miles Better Pies’ offers up 16 varieties of this kiwi classic ranging from the classics like mince and cheese and venison to their own creation the ‘taco pie’. If you need a quick eat on your way to Milford or a an afternoon snack after a day in the hills, Miles Better Pies sell a variety of pies, pasties, sandwiches, homemade cakes and slices.

Sprig & Thistle – Caravan coffee at it’s best

The new guy in town, Sprig and Thistle operates out of the most beautiful vintage caravan that is full to the brim with coffee, smoothies, cold drinks and freshly made savouries and sweets. Located at The Key on the edge of state highway 94, we highly recommended stopping here on your way into Te Anau – and on your way out!

Radha’s Indian Restaurant – Some of the best curies we’ve had

While in Southland we always recommend you trying some local dishes like blue cod and wild venison sometimes after a big day of exploring you just want a good curry, and you won’t get much better than Radha’s. Radha’s Indian Restaurant serves authentic Indian food, all their meat is certified halal and their naan bread’s and meat are cooked in a traditional Tandoori oven. Dine or takeaway is available to suit your dining needs.

The Alpine Centre and cafe – The best value fish and chips in town

Located just on the outskirt of Te Anau, The Alpine Centre offers delicious food for both dine in and take away. A great spot to stop for a coffee their cafe offers a large selection of “Grab n Go” food and also breakfast and lunch meals. We recommend their fish and chips to take away, sit and enjoy them lakeside. If you’re tired after a big day they will deliver all orders over $25.

  • We travelled the South Island for 12 days and this is the best place we stayed. We stayed for 2 nights and found our suite to be clean, warm, comfortable, modern and spacious. All the amenities were above and beyond…the large soft towels, the nice fluffy dressing gowns, a spacious bathroom with nice little touches added and a great kitchenette. Kerri welcomed us warmly and helped us with dinner recommendations. When we come back to NZ we will definitely be staying here again and can’t wait to catch up with Kerri.
    Collette H – September 23  Read Reviews
  • An absolute must stay if you’re in Te Anau. Kerri was the most incredible host to us, going above and beyond. The rooms are wonderful, with lots of lovely extra touches and very well equipped kitchen too! Beds were so comfy and the linen was really nice. The views from the room was spectacular and it was lovely and warm. Great room and space for travelling with young children too!
    Sophie M – August 23  Read Reviews
  • The quality of everything was amazing. You can tell how much detail has been put into everything. It looks freshly renovated and the location is perfect walking distance to town. Kerri kindly provided us with options of places to eat and explore. Feels more like a "Hotel" then a "Motel".
    Mel H – August 23  Read Reviews
  • Occasionally, you find a great hotel. This is one. We booked online after having read good reviews. Sat right on the front with views over the lake, and only a few steps from town. We really enjoyed our two night stay. The welcome was fabulous, lots of good advice of where to go and where we should go to eat and drink. The room was superb, a separate living area and bedroom. There is a comfy big sofa, looking out towards the lake and a more than extremely comfortable bed. A great effort has been made to make Radfords stand out above others, and it shows. I would suggest that in a three week visit to NZ, this was the nicest place we stayed.
    Paul W – September 23  Read Reviews
  • the location is excellent, in central Te Anau, with a view over the lake.  The accommodation is really good, it's a small apartment with a kitchenette so you can cook (with induction plates, microwave, toaster...) and even including a dish washer. A breakfast can be ordered, one that is both substantial & healthy. You will meet Kerri, who's extremely friendly, smiling, and flexible. She  loves to give recommendations for places to eat at, things to do, etc. I warmly recommend Radfords on the Lake!
    ExploreFeelGood – August 23  Read Reviews
  • Sometimes you just have a feeling that you are welcome and people really care about you as a guest. This is the case at Radfords on the Lake. We had been back to Te Anau for another stay and when we walked in to check in, we were greeted with a big smile and Kerri came out to gave me a big hug. It has been years that we have been there and she still remembered everything about us. In one word, everything was just perfect.
    Wala69 – August 23  Read Reviews

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🎃 H A L L O W E E N  2 0 2 3 🎃
We always get asked how close we are to the centre of town, so we thought we’d show you! Come with us on our short, flat 7 minute walk from Te Anau town centre back to the lake views from Radfords.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Throwback Thursday! Reminiscing on a great night at the @hospitalitynz Awards for Excellence 2023 back in June. While we didn't win on the night, we were super proud to be a finalist alongside some fantastic motels. And it's always fun to get dressed up in the big city and celebrate our great industry with all our industry friends.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
If you're visiting us during school holidays and your looking for some family friendly activities, make sure a visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with @real.newzealand  is top of your list. This unique Fiordland experience is not to be missed. We can help you make a booking before you arrive or chat to our friendly team when you check-in.

📸 @real.newzealand 
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸⭐😍😏
We made the most of the gorgeous spring weather over the weekend and got out to enjoy one of our favourite things to do in Te Anau, -  a stroll along the lakefront. A must do when you visit us.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Wow! We can't believe it's the first day of spring. While we love the cosy winter nights we are ready for the longer days and warmer temps. We're looking forward to evenings on the patio sipping a glass of Rosé. Who is planning a Fiordland adventure this spring?

📸 @digitaltravelcouple 
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Fiordland is full of adventures, but after a day of exploring Radfords on the Lake is the perfect place to come back to and relax. Our luxurious rooms provide you with a cosy sanctuary, so you can reflect and recharge on your day. 

📸 @thejoshshaw 

#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Picture perfect moments at the Te Anau jetty. A popular spot for photographers. Have you visited this Instagram famous spot in Te Anau?

📸 @digitaltravelcouple 

#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
While we are a small team at Radfords on the Lake, all team members, both human and feline play an important part ensuring our guests have a great time. Dexter Dude is our resident sun snoozer but loves nothing more than a cuddle from our guests. A social fellow is our Dexter and to us he is just purr-fect. So as today is #internationalcatday we celebrate our favourite furry feline friend. 

#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Once you've booked your stay with us here at Radfords on the Lake, did you know we can help you plan and book all your Fiordland activities? Fiordland is our home so let us help you make the most of this special place so you don't miss a thing.

📸 @real.newzealand cruising in Doubtful Sound
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Golden hour at Radfords on the Lake. 

Winter in the National Park is beautiful but we do miss those long, hot summer days.

@digitaltravelcouple 

#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
 #fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Fiordland National Park is a hikers paradise and Te Anau is the gateway to the National Park. Radfords on the Lake is the perfect place to base yourself for all your Fiordland adventures. Relax in comfort and style in one of our luxurious lakeside apartments after a day of exploring. 

📸 @digitaltravelcouple

#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland